Operatives of the Bayelsa State Vigilante Security Service have apprehended a 26-year-old suspected cultist, Christopher Izzy, popularly known as Machala, in connection with several cases of robbery, cultism, and criminal possession of fake firearms.
Machala, a native of Edo State, was arrested on Monday, August 19, 2024, following his identification by one of his robbery victims along the Biogbolo axis of Yenagoa. The suspect had been on the wanted list of the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service.
According to Hon. Doubiye Alagba, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service, Machala operates with a dangerous gang of cultists that specializes in targeting supermarkets, POS stores, and pedestrians using commercial tricycles in Yenagoa.
During a search of the suspect, operatives recovered a welded fake gun, a phone, and illicit drugs identified as cocaine (ice crystal meth). The arrest of Machala represents a significant breakthrough in the state’s fight against crime.
The suspect’s arrest was made possible after he was identified by a robbery victim in the Biogbolo area. The victim was dispossessed of their mobile phone and other valuables.
Another victim, Stanley Ogodo, a supermarket owner in the Ebis Biogbolo area, reported that Machala and his gang had attacked his business on nine separate occasions. Three weeks ago, the gang held up customers at gunpoint and stole consumables, customers’ items, and other valuables.
“He has done this several times, threatening me, harassing me with a gun, beating me, and taking my money, provisions, and drinks,” Ogodo lamented.
